Missouri American Water Company awarded $11.2 million to help upgrade the Jefferson City water treatment plant

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources gave more than $11.2 million in financial assistance to the Missouri American Water Company for upgrades to the Jefferson City water treatment plant.

The funds will go toward the "replacement of a below-grade clearwell and high-service pumping facility and routing discharge to a new finished water line connected to the distribution system upgrades," according to the news release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The project is estimated to cost $11,248,137. The funding comes from an $11,249,000 drinking water state revolving fund loan, and it is expected to save Missouri American Water Company customers $2.1 million on the interest of a 20-year term loan. The money is funded mostly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Back in February, the Missouri American Water Company invested $2.1 million to replace more than 9,300 feet of aging water mains. Jefferson City water mains are being upgraded from their current 1950s-60s cast-iron mains to new 8-inch PVC mains.

Four water main projects that were/are slated to be completed between February and May include:

• More than 3,200 feet of main along 4th Street and Highway 54, crossing toward Hibernia Road. Construction was expected to wrap up in February.
• Less than 1,700 feet of water main along Norris Drive between Senate Court and Boonville Road in Phase I. Construction was expected to wrap up in February.
• Roughly 2,100 feet of main along Norris Drive between Senate Court to Hillsdale Drive in Phase II. Construction is expected from February through May 2022.
• More than 2,300 feet of main along Crest Drive between Lowell Drive and Anderson Drive. Construction is expected from February through May 2022.

The goal of the current project is to continue to improve water and wastewater infrastructures. DNR says it's committed to assisting Missouri communities to reach those goals.

"From small towns to large cities, one thing every community has in common is the need for systems that provide clean, abundant water," said Gov. Mike Parson in a release. " We make it a priority to help Missouri communities plan and fund water treatment system improvements that will continue providing the water they need to grow and thrive."